WHAT CHANGED
Chittoor is the border district between the states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and the region has many Dalit and tribal communities. These communities lack access to the government Public Distribution system. Poor government health infrastructure makes it difficult for women and their children to get proper healthcare, resulting in several diseases.

Schools have poor infrastructure, and the non-availability of teachers and extreme poverty force children to drop out of school and work. Child labour is high and child marriages are rampant. The status of women and girl children is worse. Apart from economic exploitation, these communities face social discrimination, including untouchability. Starvation and hunger deaths have occurred in this region.

Today the path from exploitation to empowerment has been envisioned for these communities

Mrs. J. Lalithamma started People's Organisation for Rural Development (PORD) in Thamballapalle mandal where the situation of Dalit and tribals (especially of women and children) is poor.

The strength of PORD lies in their experience in community mobilisation and good rapport with the community, a clear strategy for working with Dalit rights issues, experienced staff, good working relations with government and linkages with other organisations and the media.